Faith in Action
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Thank you Representative Jackie Dingfelder
Hello Fellow Caucus Members,
I would like to thank Rep. Jackie Dingfelder for attending our last meeting and educating us on the complexities of water distribution and ownership in the State of Oregon. Rep. Dingfelder is working on two very exciting water initiatives: promoting sustainable water practices such as water reuse and conservation and she is organizing statewide water forums to have a public dialogue about the future of Oregon's Water. She is concerned that we begin to address the need to update a 1909 Oregon law that needs significant updating. Faith Caucus members who attended the meeting with Rep. Dingfelder left feeling that we have found an ally who is deeply concerned with the issue of water in Oregon and around the world
The Faith Caucus will continue with it's education on water issues as it looks to ensure that water remains accessible to the Commons.
Time to help Candidates
As the November election approaches us the Faith Caucus wants to make sure that we start to help Democratic Candidates, by volunteering, donating money, and reminding people to vote down ticket.
Three candidates that have reached out to us for help in their districts are Brent Barton for State Representative, District 51, Jessica Adamson for State Representative, District 26, and Nick Kahl, for State Representative, District 49. If any Faith Caucus members reside in their district, give them a call and offer to help.
We are looking to schedule some phone banking nights in October please check the website for dates.
Our Next Faith Caucus meeting will be October 6, 2008 at 6:30pm. The meeting will be held at the DPO office, 232 NE 9th Ave, Portland, Oregon 97232. I want to keep this short, because Nick Kahl is having a phone bank night at the DPO that evening and I want to welcome Faith Caucus members to join me.
Enrique M. Arias
Chair Faith Caucus DPO
Faith Caucus Mission Statement
The mission of the Faith Caucus of the Democratic Party of Oregon is to demonstrate and act upon our strong moral and ethical values of the common good, economic and social justice, equality, compassion, forgiveness, mercy, fairness, stewardship, peace and hope. Within this framework we welcome all Democrats of faith, work to elect Democratic candidates, build and sustain relationships in all communities of faith, and influence the Democratic Party platform, candidates, elected officials, and public policy.
Our Faith In Action for 2007 included:
The Faith Caucus has about 300 actively responding email members. An average of 20 members attend meetings, which have been held monthly. We have added about 50 members in the past year.
Our principal activities have been:
Planning for and participating in the DPO Platform process. We participated throughout the process, providing advice and assistance in platform language throughout.
Caucus Chair Enrique Arias testified in Salem regarding the payday loan legislation, and was quoted in the Statesman Journal.
Caucus Chair Enrique Arias worked with Susan Silodor of Healthy Kids Oregon, along with seven religious denominations, to stage a news conference in support of Measure 50. Faith Caucus members also participated in a volunteer canvass for Measure 50.
The Faith Caucus has designed its web page for use as a resource for caucus members looking for ways to put their faith in action.
Our next action as a Faith Caucus is to work with the DPO to create a protocol for Listening Meetings to be held in communities of faith and Democratic Party members.
Chair Enrique Arias was interviewed for the Catholic Sentinel regarding the Faith Caucus and our commitment to social and economic justice, peace, and environmental stewardship.
Submitted by Enrique Arias
Faith Caucus Chair
Contact Information:
Enrique Arias, Chair
232 NE 9th Avenue
Portland, OR 97232